How to Sell Your Mark Twain Autograph
To auction, sell or consign your Mark Twain autograph, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (NateDSanders.com).
Who Was Mark Twain?
Mark Twain is the pen name adopted by acclaimed American writer and lecturer Samuel Clemens. Twain grew up in Missouri near the Mississippi River, which is referenced in some of his most famous works including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. His writings remain a classic for discussing themes that are still relevant today, such as racial injustice and freedom. Items signed as either Mark Twain or Samuel Clemens are highly collectible, and we’ve sold several here at Nate D. Sanders Auctions.
View Some of Our Mark Twain Autograph Sales:
Signed “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” — Sold for $7,500
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, published in 1876, is Mark Twain’s book that introduced Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn and their happenings to readers. The book captures the rebellion and mischief of childhood while incorporating important social issues of the era. We sold a Mark Twain signed copy of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer for $7,500. Twain inscribes, “Truly Yours Mark Twain / May 10, 1899” on the front free endpaper.
Signed First Edition of “A Tramp Abroad” — Sold for $6,300
A Tramp Abroad is Mark Twain’s semi-autobiographical memoir published in 1880 that provides a detailed account of a fictional trip through Europe. The satirical book contrasts European customs against those in the states, drawing attention to the mishaps of traveling abroad. We realized $6,300 for a Mark Twain signed first edition of A Tramp Abroad. Twain signs, “Truly Yours / Mark Twain” on front pastedown and has the ownership signature of Twain’s secretary Isabel Van Kleek Lyon underneath.
Signed First Edition Copy of “Eve’s Diary” — Sold for $4,915
Mark Twain penned Extracts from Adam’s Diary and Eve’s Diary as companion pieces based on Adam and Eve from the biblical story Adam and Eve. Both satirical novels are written from the perspective of each character and poke fun at gender stereotypes and relationships. We sold a Mark Twain signed and inscribed first edition copy of Eve’s Diary for $4,915. Inscription on front pastedown reads: ”To Mrs. K.C. Tapley with compliments of The Author / Clothes make the man, but they do not improve the woman. Yours Truly, Mark Twain / Feb/08”. Three photos of Mark Twain are also affixed to the front free endpaper and title page.
Dual-Signed “The Complete Works of Mark Twain” — Sold for $4,715
We sold a set of “The Complete Works of Mark Twain / Definitive Edition” for $4,715. This 37 volume set that was issued in pieces in 1922-23 and 1925. The fly-leaf of Volume 1 is signed “SL. Clemens / Mark Twain” and bears the statement, “This fly-leaf was signed by Mark Twain in 1906 in anticipation of the present definitive edition of his works.” Editor Albert Bigelow Paine also signs below the statement. Twain’s most famous novels “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” “Life on the Mississippi,” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” are included in this set along with some short stories, essays and speeches.
Signed Photo — Sold for $4,500
We realized $4,500 for a signed photo portrait illustration of the beloved Mark Twain. Twain is considered among the most important American writers and received three honorary doctorate degrees from Yale, Oxford and the University of Missouri. Lithograph illustration measures 6.25 x 9.25 inches with Mark Twain’s bold signature directly underneath.
Autograph Note Twice-Signed — Sold for $4,153
The pen name “Mark Twain” was adopted by Samuel Clemens from his experiences working on the Mississippi River as a steamboat pilot. The term “Mark Twain” represents 12 feet of water which he’d call out when the river was a safe depth for travel. We sold a handwritten note signed both “Samuel Clemens” and “Mark Twain” for $4,153. Note in full reads, ”Always acknowledge a fault frankly. This will throw those in authority off their guard & give you opportunity to commit more. Yours truly / Samuel L. Clemens / Mark Twain / July ’77.”
Autograph Quote Signed — Sold for $3,850
We realized $3,850 for a Mark Twain autograph quote signed, with one of this most famous wisecracks. Dated December 1898, Twain handwrites, ”For the Yale boy / Much time has been lost in getting drunk. It could be done quicker. / Truly Yours / Mark Twain”. Quote is extracted from his 1894 book Pudd’nhead Wilson.
Thanks for visiting our top Mark Twain autograph sales! Please feel free to reach out if you’d like a free appraisal or would like to sell your Mark Twain autograph. Learn about some of our Mark Twain first edition book sales.
FAQs
How do I consign or sell my Mark Twain autograph?
It’s never been easier to sell your Mark Twain autograph at Nate D. Sanders Auctions. Email a description and photos of your item to [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can with a free appraisal.
This sounds great and I’d like to move forward. What’s the consignment process like at Nate D. Sanders Auctions?
We’ll send you more information about our auction house along with an agreement to review. Your item will appear in our next auction. Unlike many auction houses, we hold monthly auctions and pay you within an industry-leading 45 days following the auction.
What factors determine the value of a Mark Twain autograph?
The value of your item can vary based on condition and subject matter.